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Glomerular filtration rate and plasma solutes in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei
1Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman 73019.
Abstract:
Immune-complex glomerular nephritis (ICGN) is known to develop during malarial infections, but little is known of its impact on renal function. A total of 24 male BALB/c mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei, and measurements of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), parasitemia, and plasma solute concentrations were made on days 0, 7, 14, and 19 post-infection. Identical observations were made on 24 uninfected controls. The GFR declined progressively in infected mice from a mean of 201 +/- 2.1 (day 0) to 51 +/- 3 microliters/min (day 19), whereas parasitemia rose to 47% +/- 4.2% infected erythrocytes. In controls, the GFR remained unchanged, averaging 205 +/- 3.4 microliters/min. Plasma osmolality rose in infected mice (326 +/- 1 vs 310 +/- 0.6 mosmol/kg in controls) as a result of increased chloride (123 +/- 0.7 vs 117 +/- 0.6 mEq/l) and urea (17.8 +/- 2.8 vs 9.3 +/- 0.7 mM/l levels). The data reveal a substantial deterioration of renal function during the course of a malarial infection that is short of outright renal failure.
Insights
Malaria infection significantly impairs kidney function, causing a progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased plasma solute concentrations in mice. This study highlights the substantial renal impact of malaria, even without complete kidney failure.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Immune-complex glomerular nephritis (ICGN) is a known complication of malarial infections.
- The specific impact of malaria on overall renal function remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Plasmodium berghei infection on renal function in a mouse model.
- To quantify changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and plasma solute concentrations during malaria.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei.
- GFR, parasitemia, and plasma solute concentrations were measured on days 0, 7, 14, and 19 post-infection.
- Uninfected mice served as controls.
Main Results:
- Infected mice showed a progressive decline in GFR, from 201 +/- 2.1 to 51 +/- 3 microliters/min by day 19.
- Parasitemia reached 47% +/- 4.2% infected erythrocytes in malaria-infected mice.
- Plasma osmolality increased in infected mice due to elevated chloride and urea levels.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodium berghei infection leads to substantial deterioration of renal function in mice.
- The observed changes indicate a significant impact on kidney function during malaria, short of complete renal failure.